The Arlington Million XXVI August 9, 2008
Spirit One Wins Prestigeous Horse Race on Chicago Area Racetrack
Aug 8, 2008
Spirit One won the 26th Arlington Million on August 9, 2008. The French based horse led the race from start to finish in an upset victory at Arlington Park in the Chicago area.
Arlington Race Track in Arlington Heights, Illinois featured the "Arlington Million" on August 9, 2008. the horse race is the signature event of Arlington Park, located about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois. Thoroughbred horses will compete to join the ranks of famous racehorses such as John Henry, Mecke and the Tin Man.
History of The Arlington Million
The first Arlington Million turned racing on its ear in 1981 with the one million dollar prize,. The race was placed in the summer so that Euorpean horses would be attracted to the race before their championships in the fall.
John Henry won the first Arlington MIllion. John Henry was followed by champions such as Manila, Tight Spot, Estrapade, Perrault, Steinlen and Paradise Creek. The premier horse race grew in stature becoming internationally famous. In 1985, the grandstand burned down just 25 days before the race, but that did not stop the event from taking place. While Arlington was being rebuilt, the race was moved to Woodbine Race Course, near Toronto, Canada. The race returned to the Chciago area and has been a highly anticipated event every year, with the exception of 1009 and 1999, when the track was temporarily closed
The Arlington Million continues as the premier signature event of the season in Chicago racing.
Arlington Million XXVI
Racehorses traveled from around the globe, including Europe and Japan, to participate in the prestigious race event in the Chicago area.
The Arlington Million was be the final race of a day of horse racing, beginning with Secretariat Stakes, with a $400,000 purse. The Beverly D Stakes offered a $750,000 purse. The Arlington Million offered the $1,000,000.prize.
The Arlington Million XXVI attracted eight of the world's best turf horses for the Arlington Million on August 9, 2008. The Grade one mile and a quarter turf test is the centerpiece event of the Thoroughbred racing season in Chicago. Fans of the horse race travel from around the world to experience the excitement of the Arlington Million.
Horses in the Arlington Million
- Archpenko. Winner of Hong Kong's Group I Audemars Picquet Queen Elizabeth II Open and Great Britain's Group II Summer Mile Stakes at Ascot. Trainer: Michael DeKock. Jockey: Kevin Shea. Owner: Sheik Mohamed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum & Dr. Ashley Parker.
- Mount Nelson. Winner of Great Britain's Group I Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. Trainer: Aidan O'Brien. Jockey: John Murtagh. Owner: Tabor, Smith, Magnier.
- Spirit One is an improving French-bred runner. Trainer: Philippe Demercastel, Jockey: Ioritz Mendizabel. Owner: Kamel Chehboub.
- Einstein is the winner of the Grade I Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day. Trainer: Helen Pitts. Jockey: Robby Albarado. Owner: Midnight Cry Stables.
- Stream Cat. Hero of the Grade III Arlington Handicap. Trainer: George R. "Rusty" Arnold. Jockey: Julien Leparoux. Owner: Fab Oak Stable, Robert Hurley and John F. Goldthorp.
- Silverfoot. Trainer: Dallas Stewart. Jockey: Rene Douglas.Owner: Chrysalis Stables LLC.
- Sudan: Scratched due to injury.
- Cosmonaut
Arlington Million Events
The National Anthem was performed in the Winner's Circle by Mrs. Irwin at around 11:15 AM. The Arlington Heights Police Department presented the colors.
Live musical performances included '7th Heaven', "Kerli" and "The Jersey Boys..
The first 5,000 people to enter the park received a free T-Shirt.
Arlington Park General Information
Arlington Park gates open at 10:00 am. General admission tickets are $15. Reserved seating for an additional charge is limited. Arlington Park is a Churchill Downs Company. The park is at 2200 West Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights, Illinois 60006. 1-847-385-7500.
Arlington Park is a Churchill Downs Company
Tempel Lipizzan Horses Perform Majestic Dressage
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